Misdirected Anger
In today’s world, as we witness the unfolding of moral decay and societal divisions, it’s natural to feel anger and dismay. Often, my initial reaction is to direct these emotions towards the individuals who propagate harmful actions and ideologies. While personal accountability cannot be dismissed, as a follower of Christ, I must also recognize the more profound dynamics at play. Our spiritual battle, as outlined in Ephesians 6:12, involves not only the visible agents of wrongdoing but also the invisible forces behind them, the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers of this present darkness, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. The serpent, who so cunningly deceived Eve in the Garden, is still at work today, sowing discord and misleading many.
This understanding does not excuse sin or reduce the necessity for personal repentance; instead, it helps us see the broader battlefield. True Christian response involves a delicate balance: holding individuals accountable for their choices while also recognizing the spiritual bondage that may be influencing their actions. This perspective prevents us from falling into the trap of merely tolerating or accepting sin under the guise of compassion or forgiveness. It propels us towards a more effective and nuanced engagement, aiming not only to correct but also to liberate and transform through the power of the Gospel.
The Evil One’s Work
Just as the serpent cunningly persuaded Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by twisting God’s words, today’s evils, such as societal division, moral relativism, and the devaluation of life, are often rooted in similar distortions and lies. Indeed, there is no other cultural issue where these tactics are more evident than in the debate and discourse surrounding abortion. By deceptively packaging abortion as a symbol of freedom and an empowering choice, the serpent continues to mislead many, obscuring the sanctity of life and the profound consequences of this choice.
Compassion for the Deceived
It is easy to feel anger towards individuals who fall prey to deceitful ideologies or who make harmful choices, such as those supporting or choosing abortion. However, as Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, which means seeing beyond their actions to recognize the spiritual warfare they are entrenched in. Recognizing this, again, does not mean we excuse personal responsibility; rather, we understand the complex factors at play. Many are not fully aware of the forces influencing their thoughts and decisions; they are victims, much like Eve was, of his lies. Our response, therefore, must be one of compassion paired with a call to accountability and truth. We must help our neighbors see not only the deception but also the responsibility they hold in making choices, guided by the full light of the Gospel. This is why, in my estimation, we are not faced with an abortion or life issue. Instead, I believe, we are faced with a discipleship issue.
Practical Steps to Redirect Our Focus
- Prayer Warfare: Engage more deeply in prayer, not only for those deceived by the abortion narrative but also for the dismantling of the enemy and his schemes around it. Pray for the eyes of their hearts to be enlightened (Ephesians 1:18), so they may see the truth of God and the value of every life.
- Spiritual Discernment: Cultivate a spirit of discernment to recognize the underlying spiritual forces at play in the abortion debate. This understanding will help shift our frustration from individuals to the spiritual enemies that are driving much of what we see today.
- Educational Outreach: Commit to educating others about the reality of spiritual warfare and the deceit surrounding abortion. This can involve teaching sessions, workshops, or simply sharing insights during fellowship or discipleship classes within your local church. The more our communities understand the nature of our true enemy and the deception of abortion, the more effectively we can combat his influences together.
- Compassionate Engagement: When approaching those who have been deceived about abortion, it is essential to do so with compassion and a deep understanding of the forces at play. Our goal is to offer a path to healing and truth. We should engage thoughtfully, providing supportive environments where honest conversations about the spiritual and physical implications of abortion can take place. By embodying Christ’s love and patience, we empower individuals to recognize the deception they’ve encountered and encourage them to embrace the truth and the freedom of the Gospel. Seeking to assist you in this compassionate engagement, Care Net offers two amazing resources for those with abortion in their past; Forgiven and Set Free for women and Reclaiming Fatherhood for men.
A Call to Spiritual Arms
As we face the various battles in our world, let us remember to direct our energies towards the right adversary. He has been at work and intentional in his deception since the Garden and he clearly is committed to the long game. By doing so, we preserve our capacity to love our neighbors and to serve as effective witnesses of Christ’s truth and love. In this way, we fight not only with the hope of changing hearts but also with the assurance that our efforts are in line with God’s call to expose the darkness with His light. We can do this because we are operating from a posture of victory. Our Lord wins yesterday, today, and forever.